Skip to main content

Folk Art Furniture

FOLK ART STYLE

Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.

Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.

Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.

During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.

Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.

to
823
3,614
2,122
5,928
177
114
198,048
115,151
44,154
33,196
16,441
12,227
10,882
10,822
9,974
8,950
7,341
6,655
6,506
6,384
6,158
4,897
3,743
233
1,787
3,908
291
1,174
1,539
672
154
90
202
248
151
207
190
207
86
64
2,831
1,484
1,151
823
657
2,366
2,012
1,687
848
664
6,219
6,144
6,173
121
25
19
18
18
Style: Folk Art
Swedish country chair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish country chair, untouched original, in very fine condition. Made of pine with remnants of the original dark brown paint and the original bast seat. A highly decorative chair.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cane, Pine

Navajo Indian Weaving / Eye Dazzler Weaving
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Navajo Indian weaving in an eye dazzler pattern.This weaving or rug is in very good condition.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Adjustable Dressmaker Skinny Mannequin , Austria, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking originally used by Austrian tailors and dressmakers for draping, alterations, and creating the latest fashion, this vintage dressmaker mannequin...
Category

1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Zabihi Collection Crazy Animal Motif South Persian Pictorial Rug
Located in New York, NY
a crazy late 20th-century one-of-a-kind Animal motif rug. It seems like every animal you can think of is in this rug. Every animal is spelled out as well. The weaver made a lot of sp...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Pre-War Wind-Up Toy "Boy on Motorcycle Delivery Truck" by Marx
Located in Incline Village, NV
This brightly lithographed tin wind-up toy in colors of red, yellow, and blue, with a driver dressed in appropriate motorcycle clothing, depicts a young man driving a delivery cart with "Speed Boy Delivery" printed on each side of the wagon. The manufacturers logo is clearly marked on both sides of the stake wagon and on the right shoulder of the driver "MAR" with a circle around it and "Made in The United States of America, New York, N.Y." around the circumference (see images). The license plate number is "268", which, along with the red painted inside of the drivers arms (as it should be!) indicates this earlier version and authenticity. Nearly 100 years old, it still operates fine and, upon winding the attached wind-up key a few times and placing the toy on the ground, the motorcycle and driver move across the floor on the way to their deliveries; do not over wind. (see video attached to this listing). The toy is completely original and in very good condition, with no repairs or restorations of any kind and no touch up or repaint. The arms and steering handle bars are also original (sometimes replaced) and they have the appropriate paint and markings. This would make a welcome addition to a collection of pre-war Americana. Dimensions: 9 7/8" long x 5 7/8" wide x 5 3/4" high After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...
Category

1930s Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Tin

Mexican Ceramic Jug Vase Fishes 1994 Dolores Porras Folk Art Decorative Vessel
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Dolores Porras Enríquez is widely known throughout Mexico and the world for being the creator of a technique rooted in the land of Oaxaca: pottery in natural color, glazed and decora...
Category

1990s Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Mexican Burnished Clay Chicken Kitchen Vessel Hen Egg Basket Decoration Flowers
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic hen is an egg basket, perfect to keep eggs fresh -- a utilitarian kitchen piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-modeled technique and cooked in traditional wood-fired oven. Reyes has been constantly innovating with his hen collection, making this one of his most iconic works. Ceramic artist, sculptor and painter, Manuel Reyes (Mexico City, 1972) atended the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas in Xochimilco, México. He was later mentored by Royer Von Guten, Joy Laville...
Category

2010s Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Large South Indian India Asian Original Pichwai Painting of Elephant Procession
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly gorgeous, quite large and decorative, engaging South Indian Asian (India) Pichwai and/or gouache painting in a heavy two-sided acrylic frame featuring an evening Maharaja roy...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Textile, Silk, Paint

Portrait Miniature In Graphite American 19th Century
Located in Hudson, NY
This is a very beautiful , highly detailed and well executed portrait of a woman. Created in the early nineteenth century with graphite on paper. The sitter can be seen with a book in her hand and a ring on her finger. She is sitting in a painted fancy chair by the window with the drape pulled back...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

20th Century Diorama Folk Art Three Mast Model Ship in a Bottle English, C 1930
Located in Central England, GB
A fine Diorama Folk Art Model ship in a bottle This skilfully made diorama of a three-mast early 19th century sailing ship at harbour with a raised landscape behind and cottages set...
Category

20th Century English Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Glass

Authentic Handwoven Gafsa Rug - Tunisian Berber Design - 2x3 Meters - Certified
Located in Bochum, NRW
This is an exquisite handmade Gafsa rug, a vibrant testament to Tunisia’s rich textile heritage. Measuring an impressive 2x3 meters, this authentic piece originates from Gafsa, a reg...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tunisian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

American Splint Wicker Pie Picnic Basket Hinged Lid Handles, early 20th c.
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique or vintage woven pie, picnic, or market basket features a traditional rectangular shape with reinforced rim, hinged lid, wooden shelf insert, and twin solid wood handles. The rim is formed by carved bent ash splints, and the lid is reinforced with carved solid wood elements. The handles and wooden trim on the lid add not only visual interest, but also structural stability and ease of use to the piece; the insert allows for the additional functionality. The basket is in very good antique or vintage condition with beautiful, age-appropriate patina on wood; its convenient size and shape and sturdy construction allow it to be used both as a decor piece and as decorative storage. Sculptural basket with elegant traditional form, high quality craftsmanship, and statement piece presence will make a perfect addition to a wide range of interiors, from Traditional to Organic Modern, Modernist, Transitional, Japandi, Scandinavian Modern, Collected, Modern Country, or Contemporary, or a great gift to a collector or a design enthusiast. Provenance: the basket was acquired from a collector's estate in Finger Lakes area of Western New York state. We are offering another early American basket...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Ash, Wood

Antique hand made wooden scale model of an 18th century farm cart circa 1920
Located in Central England, GB
This very fine meticulously constructed wooden scale model copies the design of a late 18th or early 19th century full sized working example. It dates to circa 1920. This cart is we...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Provincial Spice Box
Located in Bozeman, MT
Charming 19th century Swedish provincial spice box in its original condition with two sliding doors and one drawer. The interior contains eight compartments intended for different dr...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century. Extremely decorative and each one unique. Each one is a work of art. Sizes vary from 52 cm to 37 cm. Would look am...
Category

18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Art Populaire Chest Bench, France, 17th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Carved chest bench from 17th century France. Made of rich, dark wood, this majestic piece embodies the epitome of refinement and grace. Intricate carved details showcase the craftsma...
Category

17th Century French Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late 19th C. Mexican Retablo "Veronica s Veil", c.1880
Located in San Francisco, CA
About An original 19th century Mexican folk retablo "Veronica's Veil" or "El Divono Rostro" in Spain . Oil paint on tin. The Veil of Veronica, known in Italian as the Volto Santo o...
Category

19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Tin

Antique Embroidery from Fez Morocco, Early 20th Century.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Fez embroidery was among the most sophisticated textile arts of Morocco, practiced by women in domestic settings and highly prized as part of marriage furnishings. The geometric patt...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Silk

Very Large Mochaware Bowl with Cable Decoration England Circa 1830
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this exceptionally large and rare mid-19th century English mochaware bowl. Each piece of mochaware is unique. Made in England ci...
Category

1830s English Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Creamware

Vintage Boho Figurative Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unleash a dose of playful charm with this truly unique vintage studio pottery vase. A delightful testament to artisan craftsmanship, this piece takes on an endearing figurative form,...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Clay, Pottery

Theater of Shadows Indo-Filipino Batik Shadow Puppets Painting Signed Ayu
Located in Lomita, CA
Theater of Shadows Signed by Ayu, this richly detailed batik painting evokes the ceremonial beauty of Southeast Asia’s Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry. Two stylized figures—one regal an...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Textile, Bamboo

Zabihi Collection Faded Turkish Anatolian Animal Caravan Rug
Located in New York, NY
mid-20th-century Turkish Pictorial rug Details rug no. j3764 size 2' 5" x 4' 9" (74 x 145 cm)
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Folk Art Monoxylite Cabinet, Denmark, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
The rustic monoxylite cabinet from 19th century Denmark showcases the timeless craftsmanship of that era. Its solid wood construction and one-of-a-kind monoxylite back not only offer...
Category

19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Indonesian Asian Javanese Hand Carved Painted Wood Jaguar or Mythical Cat Mask
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful hand carved, crafted and hand painted wood Indonesian jaguar/panther mythical cat ceremonial mask (perhaps a traditional Balinese I Wayan Muka mask). These masks are ge...
Category

20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Indonesian Wild Boar Hunting Vest, Chinese Coin Armour, Lombok, Mid-20th Century
Located in London, GB
Indonesian Wild Boar Hunting Vest, Chinese Coin Armour, Lombok, Mid-20th Century This extraordinary and rare vest from Lombok, Indonesia, was traditionally worn during wild boar hun...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

American Pair of Carved Primitive Folk Art Lions Quarried in Connecticut
Located in Katonah, NY
A rare pair of carved brownstone American Folk Art lions, in recumbent pose with full manes and tails curled to opposing sides, their expressive...
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Stone

Large University Chart “Physical Map of Africa” by Bacon
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large university chart “Physical Map of Africa” by Bacon W&A K Johnston’s Charts of Physical Maps By G W Bacon, This is colorful Physical map of North America, it is large lithograph set...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Linen

Tonala Mexico Angel Figurine Candle Holder Folk Art Hand-painted 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage Tonala pottery figurine or candleholder is decorated with hand-painted decor of traditional flowers and leaves with bands of geometric decor. Angel's face has a thou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Mwana Pwo mask Chokwe - Angola African Decortive Wall Art Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Mwana Pwo Mask Chokwe - Angola African Decortive Wall Art Sculpture. Beautiful craftsmanship. Nice original unrestored patina. No information present on th...
Category

1980s Angolan Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Rather large 19th century Swedish folk art root wood bowl, signed ANDERS LNS, LAS and dated 1819.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

ELFRIEDE MEINDL - Folk Art Ceramic Atlantic Fisherman Figure - Canada - C.1970 s
Located in Chatham, ON
ELFRIEDE MEINDL (1926-2020) - Fine vintage folk art ceramic figure of an Atlantic fisherman on a plinth base - small size - featuring elaborate hand made and hand crafted details thr...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Ebony Wood Hand Carved African Elephant
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand carved wood ebony African elephant. Mid-20th Century Hand-Carved African Elephant Sculpture in Solid Ebony Wood Hand-carved African elephant sculpture, crafted from dense solid ebony wood, renowned for its rich, deep hue and natural sheen. This mid-20th-century piece captures the power and majesty of the African elephant. Handcrafted carved wooden elephant, likely an African Elephant due to the large ears. It appears to be made from a dark wood, possibly ebony, which is a popular material for such carvings. Ebony is a dense and valuable wood, making these carvings desirable for collectors. Hand-carved by a skilled artisan, likely of East or Central African origin, the sculpture showcases traditional carving techniques passed down through generations. Its smooth polish and heavy weight reflect the high quality of the ebony used—a wood celebrated not only for its beauty but also for its durability and rarity. This piece serves as both a decorative object and a cultural artifact, ideal for collectors of African art, lovers of wildlife sculptures, or those seeking a unique focal point for an interior space. Dimensions: Height: 10 in. Width: 9.5 in. Depth: 3.25 in. (Insert exact dimensions) Origin: Africa (likely Kenya, Tanzania, or Congo region) Circa: 1950s–1970s In Chinese culture, the elephant symbolizes good luck, prosperity, peace, and happiness. Placing an elephant figurine in the home or office is believed to attract good fortune and ward off evil. Elephant statues are also associated with wisdom, family unity, and personal strength. A feng shui elephant is a powerful symbol that can invite auspicious energy into your home. The elephant is a venerated animal in Asian cultures because of their intelligence, physical prowess, and memory. They symbolize wisdom, strength, and good luck. The elephant's trunk is where luck and energy are kept. It is a symbol of wisdom and understanding that can assist you in quickly overcoming a range of difficulties. The downward trunk elephant is believed to maintain balance at work and keep good energy levels up at home. Symbolism: * Wisdom and Strength: In Asian cultures, elephants are venerated for their intelligence, physical prowess, and memory, symbolizing wisdom, strength, and good luck. * Good Fortune and Prosperity: In Chinese culture, the elephant symbolizes good luck, prosperity, peace, and happiness. Placing an elephant figurine in the home or office is believed to attract good fortune. * Protection and Harmony: Elephant statues are associated with wisdom, family unity, and personal strength. In Feng Shui, a powerful symbol inviting auspicious energy, elephants protect against negative forces and bring blessings. * Trunk Position: The elephant's trunk is believed to hold luck and energy. A downward-facing trunk, like this piece, is thought to maintain balance at work and foster good energy levels at home.Home Decor: This piece would make a striking and meaningful addition to any space, adding both aesthetic appeal and positive energy. * Collection: Ebony wood carvings...
Category

1950s Kenyan Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Ebony

19th C Dutch Fabric Dolls- Man Women
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These amazing 19th c fabric dolls are in amazing condition. These Dutch dolls have the original wood shoes /clogs. These dolls are so wonderful and undisturbed clothing.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Fabric

19th C Dutch Fabric Dolls- Man 
Women
19th C Dutch Fabric Dolls- Man 
Women
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Set of Three Santa Claus Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wire

Special Floral Center in a Gray Background Color Vintage American Hooked Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique American Hooked rug. Measures: 3'3" x 5'5".
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th Century Original Folk Art Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century original Folk Art painted chest of drawers. A Very attractive painted pine chest of drawers, it is decorated with flowers on the top and sides, the drawer fronts and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paint

Vintage Hand-Painted Wooden Jewelry Trinket Box - Folk Art Style
Located in Seattle, WA
This charming vintage wooden jewelry box features hand-painted floral designs in a traditional folk art style. With vibrant, delicate flower...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Pig Toy, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala pig toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Haitian Naive Oil Drum Metal Wall Mounted Sculpture Haiti 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Haitian metal art wall decoration from the 1970s signed M.U. The design is of a figure in festive regalia. The eyes, noses and partially the mouth a...
Category

1960s Haitian Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cut Steel

Zabihi Collection Turkish Anatolian Animal Caravan Rug
Located in New York, NY
mid 20th century Turkish Anatolian caravan pictorial small rug Details rug no. j3682 size 2' 8" x 4' (81 x 122 cm)
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Folk Vintage Necklace from Nagaland on a Wooden Panel
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Folk vintage Nagaland necklace - ceramic, metal and bone. Nagaland is in India, near Birmania. I've mounted on wooden panel cm. 55 x 55, like a sculp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Carved Wooden Eagle With Iron Talons – 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
19th Century Carved Wooden Eagle with Iron Talons A striking 19th-century hand-carved wooden eagle, featuring finely detailed plumage and expressive craftsmanship. The sculpture reta...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Iron

Zabihi Collection Bubble Gum Pink Vintage Turkish Pictorial Runner
Located in New York, NY
Mid-20th century Turkish Anatolian Runner featuring humans and animals on a bubble gum pink field. Measures: 2'10'' x 11'
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Substantial Early 19th Century Pennsylvania Primitive Large Copper Kitchen Pot
Located in Red Lion, PA
Substantial Early 19th Century Pennsylvania Primitive Large Copper Kitchen Pot An exceptional example of early American craftsmanship, this large 19th-century Pennsylvania primitive...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Copper, Tin

American Folk Art Inlaid Twig and Rootwood Snake Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Wildly intricate yet distinctly American, this one-of-a-kind, artist-made table sits squarely in the lineage of American folk art—where resourcefulness meets imagination, and nature ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birch

Pair of 1920s Cast Iron Duck Figures with Folk Charm and Patinated Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
With their gently stylized forms and expressive, contrasting gestures, this pair of early 20th-century cast iron ducks embodies the quiet charm of vernacular folk design. One duck bo...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Iron

Professionally Framed Moroccan Belt Fragment, Early 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. Early 20th C.. Morocco Ready to go on a wall.
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Silk

19th Century Painted Dress Model or Doll
Located in Troy, NY
19th Century Folk Art Painted Dress Model or Doll, Beautiful example of a dress model with a sweet, expressive face. The slightly distressed paint adds to its charm. Our pieces are l...
Category

19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Folk Art Hand Painted Wood Candlesticks
Located in Toronto, CA
This is a wonderful pair of folk art candlesticks from Poland. Probably early twentieth century. Beautifully hand painted with flowers and leaves, the candlestick rest on a trio of b...
Category

Early 20th Century Polish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

A Set of 2 Vintage Anatolian Rug Christmas stockings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Each piece is one-of-a-kind, celebrating the artistry of traditional weaving while being repurposed into a festive and functional heirloom. Perfect for hanging by the fireplace, gif...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Rustic Folk Art Bench, Spain, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Folk Art; Primitive Bench; Monoxylite Wood; 19th century; Spain; Wabi Sabi; Rustic; Craftsmanship; Arts & Crafts; Rustic two-seater bench from 19th century Spain, with a charming ...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Professionally Framed Uzbek Silk Ikat Fragment, Early 20th Century. Uzbekistan
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. Early 20th C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Silk

Call of the Desert The Sahara Hardcover Book by Philippe Bourseiller
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Call of the Desert: The Sahara Hardcover Book. Philippe Bourseiller Harry N. Abrams, Nov 1, 2004 - Nature - 424 pages Photographer Bourseiller embarked on the first truly comprehe...
Category

Early 2000s African Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
Perhaps the wildest action of all the Lehman toys, said to resemble Ernest Paul Lehman's temperament (founder of the company), "Balky Mule" was first manufactured in 1897 in Berlin (Brandenburg), and had a multi decade run; this example is from around 1909 (see image with markings to the rear of the carriage). The toy is catalogued as "EPL #425" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982. To operate the toy; wind up the attached clockwork key on the underneath of the carriage and place the toy on the floor. Do not over-wind and be gentle, as the toy is aggressive and over 100 years old. The toy will go backwards and forward, and the clown will pop up and down as the cart goes in several different directions across the floor until it winds down (see video accompanying the listing for guidance). The toy is found broken and/or inoperable, more often than not, because of the rough action, and typical abuse by children (after all, it was a toy). This example is in very nice original condition and works well. The lithography and hand paint is bright and original with no touch up or repaint. The hand paint is; flesh tones to the face of the clown, red trousers, orange hair, and grey paint to the seat of the carriage. The clothing to the clown figure is still intact and all original. The lithography to the wheels features brightly colored clowns and a German marking logo. What is really unusual is the fact that the donkey still has all four of its loosely attached original legs, considering the aggressive action of the toy. The metal on the donkey is actually treated with "fabric like" paint, to simulate fur. All in all this is a really cool toy and a "must have" for the collector of tin toys, or someone who simply wants a wonderful example of an early, "turn of the century" iconic wind up toy. Provenance: Recently acquired from a prominent toy collection in Los Angeles, California Dimensions: 7 1/2" long x 3" wide x 5" high Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Tin

A Set of 2 Vintage Anatolian Cicim Christmas stockings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Each piece is one-of-a-kind, celebrating the artistry of traditional weaving while being repurposed into a festive and functional heirloom. Perfect for hanging by the fireplace, gif...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Carved Wood Horse India Polychrome Ceremonial Temple Sculpture 19th C.
Located in Glenford, NY
Antique carved Indian ceremonial temple sculpture of a large parade horse from the late 19th or early 20th Century. The wooden body, mane, tail, saddle and reins are carved in high r...
Category

1890s Indian Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Hand Carved Nut Woodenware Catchall, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Austria at an estate sale, this hand carved nut catchall is perfect for the collector. Nice Mid Century collectible to display ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Rag Rug country Folkart hand woven
Located in Boden, SE
A fantastically Swedish Rag Rug in beautiful color & pattern. Handwoven in Boden Northern Sweden . The rug is freshly washed. Vintage & antique Swedish Rag Rugs from Sweden comes in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cotton

French Zinc Horse Head, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
French zinc horse head, circa 1930
Category

Early 20th Century European Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Zinc

Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Toucan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the essence of coastal charm and tropical whimsy with this delightful vintage toucan sculpture. Expertly handcrafted, this unique piece features a vibrant toucan figure metic...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Folk Art furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, and Nils Olsson. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $20 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,252.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed